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Follow ABTA’s Travel Checklist for a Smooth Start to your Summer Holiday


www.nitravelnews.com


July/August 2024


and 34-49) and those with higher incomes show the strongest preference for European trips. Commenting following the publication of the


LHTB 2/2024, ETC President Miguel Sanz, said: “The positive trends we are recording in travel behaviour are a win-win for travellers and destinations. We are seeing an increased interest in longer stays, allowing tourists to develop a deeper connection with the local culture and support the businesses that make each destination unique. In addition, the openness to off-season travel presents a golden opportunity to spread tourism more evenly throughout the year. This can help reduce peak periods’ social and environmental strain and better support destinations’ visitor economy.”


Affordability takes a back seat in travel priorities


WITH the peak summer season fast ABTA


–


approaching, The Travel


Association is encouraging holidaymakers to follow its Travel Checklist to make sure they’ve ticked off the most important steps to take when preparing for their holiday this year. The eight-step checklist includes


checking the


Foreign Office travel advice for the destination they’re visiting,


taking


out comprehensive travel insurance,


sticking to


the existing rules for liquids and laptops when travelling through airport security, and making sure their passport will be valid for their travel dates. Graeme Buck,


ABTA’s Director of Communications, “Getting


the


said: final


preparations in place for your holiday can be part of the excitement of going away, but it might also start that nagging feeling that you’ve forgotten to do something really important.


That’s why


we’ve put together our Travel Checklist – following the eight simple steps should make sure that preparing for your holiday this summer is as stress- free as possible!


“If you haven’t booked a summer holiday yet but would like to, an ABTA travel agent or tour operator is best placed to help you. They’re experts at helping you snap up a late deal, as they can have access to better prices and a wider choice of trips compared to booking independently.” ABTA’s Travel Checklist Read the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice – this is where you’ll find the latest advice for the destination you’re visiting. Check your passport will


be valid for your travel dates and allow time to renew if needed – if you’re travelling to any country in the EU (except Ireland), your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the EU and be valid


for at least three months after the day you plan to leave.


Take out comprehensive travel insurance – make sure your policy covers your specific needs, including any activities you plan to do or existing medical conditions.


Make sure you have a valid GHIC – if not, apply for one for free at NHS.uk. Having a GHIC means you can access to medically necessary state healthcare in all 27 EU countries, Switzerland,


Montenegro,


the Channel Islands and Australia, if needed while you’re away.


Check the rules if you’re travelling


to the EU –


make sure you are aware of restrictions on items that can be taken into the EU,


the documentation required when driving or taking your pet abroad, and potential charges for using your mobile phone depending on your network.


Stick to the current rules for liquids and laptops – many airports haven’t fully implemented


the


next generation security scanners yet, so make sure to follow the existing hand luggage rules around liquids


and electronic


devices when going through security to avoid delays.


Get your travel money


sorted – the use of cash and card varies overseas, so take enough travel money with you for the country you’re visiting.


Remember you


may need cash on arrival for bus or taxi fares, as well as for tips or for cash- only transactions while on holiday. Have a fun and safe trip


– we want everyone to have a holiday to remember, for all of the right reasons, so make sure you take steps to keep yourself safe, such as, when swimming, following the rules at the pool, look out for warning flags and signs at the beach and closely supervise children in the water. ABTA has lots of advice to help you stay safe on holiday.


International Travellers Choosing European Holidays as Safety and Quality Become Priority


ENTHUSIASM for travel is rising in key international markets, with 59% of respondents interested in overseas trips for summer 2024 — a notable 9% increase compared to 2019. Europe’s appeal is gradually picking up, albeit at a slower pace, due to security and affordability concerns. Nevertheless, Europe remains a top destination choice, with 41% of surveyed individuals planning to visit this summer, down 4% from 2019 levels.


This is according to the latest Long-Haul Travel Barometer (LHTB) 2/2024 published today by the European Travel Commission (ETC) and Eurail BV. Targeting 7000 travellers from seven major overseas markets – Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, and the US – this study analyses travel sentiment to Europe for the summer months, from May to August 2024.


Findings from the key markets include:


• China and Brazil demonstrate the strongest intention to visit Europe this summer, with 62% and 52% of travellers planning a trip. In both countries, this number is largely driven by more affluent individuals. • Travellers from the US and Canada exhibit a more cautious approach to European travel, with interest growing slightly since last year to 40% and 42% respectively. • Australia and South Korea show moderate enthusiasm, as interest sits at 37% and 35% respectively. • Japan shows more limited interest at 19%, as travel recovery from this market continues to be slow. • Across all markets, younger travellers (ages 18-24


Safety has emerged as the top criterion for long- haul travellers when choosing a destination in Europe this summer. Nearly half (45%) of respondents prioritise European destinations perceived as secure, marking a 9% increase compared to summer 2022 and 6% since summer 2023. Quality tourism infrastructure places second (38%), followed by a 7% resurgence in the appeal of iconic landmarks, from 29% in summer 2023 to 36% in summer 2024. Included in the survey for the first time, ‘stable weather conditions’ is the top factor for 31% of respondents. Convenience also plays a notable role, with 20% of travellers opting for destinations which can be reached by a direct flight and 20% preferring a destination with good train connections to other places of interest.


While affordability remains a consideration for 23% of respondents,


it that has


from 32% last year. This shift indicates


travellers


budget limitations. Travellers


experience over opting


increasingly focusing on quality and safety, valuing a smooth travel


decreased are


strict for multi-


country trips as interest in longer holidays grows


67% of long-haul travellers to Europe are opting for multi-country itineraries.


For


international travel within Europe, remain


the


full-service airlines preferred


choice


for 51% of respondents. Train passes emerge as the second


most popular option (30%) due to their flexibility and cost-effectiveness in navigating multiple destinations. Low-cost airlines (29%) and single/ return train tickets (24%) are also popular among budget-conscious travellers. Conversely, 21% of respondents reported planning an in-depth visit of a single European country. For these domestic trips, single/return train tickets are the most popular choice (32%), offering a convenient and efficient way to travel between cities over short to medium distances.


Travellers seeking more


freedom and flexibility are instead opting for car rentals (29%). Overall, travellers demonstrate a shift in priorities, with a growing desire for more immersive travel experiences. Despite the increasing popularity of mid-range daily budgets (€100-€200) since 2019 (+8%), there is also a greater interest in extended holidays. While one-to-two-week trips remain the most popular choice (57%), getaways exceeding two weeks have risen from 13% in 2019 to 21% in 2024.


Travellers split between responsible behaviours and prioritising familiarity


For the first time, the survey also delved deeper


into traveller flexibility to explore certain travel behaviours associated with increased social and environmental sustainability.


Notably, 53% of


respondents reported being open to travelling to Europe during off-peak periods, attracted by potential cost savings and the opportunity to experience iconic attractions more intimately. However, when it comes to choosing specific destinations and experiences,


destinations with


prioritise familiarity. 61% of respondents gravitate towards


travellers often well-developed


infrastructure and renowned attractions. While the allure of popular spots remains strong, 39% show interest in exploring lesser-known locations across Europe.


A similar preference for either new experiences or familiarity can be seen in how travellers interact with tourism businesses. Half of the respondents want to support local suppliers, while the remaining half prefer familiar accommodations, dining and shopping brands.


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